Real Madrid will face Barcelona without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian was ruled out of Sunday’s El Clásico due to a flu-like illness.
The Spanish club confirmed the late withdrawal on its official website, announcing that 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn had been called up as his replacement.
“Courtois is a last-minute absence due to a flu-like illness for tonight’s match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, corresponding to the tenth matchday of La Liga,” the club said.
The absence of Courtois is a setback for Madrid ahead of the high-stakes encounter, with the goalkeeper a key figure in the team’s defence.
Madrid will also be without Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a four-match domestic suspension.
Barcelona head into the encounter in strong league form, having won all nine of their opening matches to collect 27 points and establish a six-point lead over Madrid, who sit third in the standings.
The Catalan side will be seeking a tenth consecutive league victory, a feat last achieved by Madrid during the 1968-69 season.
Madrid, meanwhile, have suffered two league defeats this season, against Real Betis and city rivals Atlético Madrid, increasing the pressure on them ahead of the clash.
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